Simple Meal Ideas for Leftover Chicken

Make the most of your leftover rotisserie chicken

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  Chicken Salad

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  Rotisserie Chicken Dinner

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  Chicken Quesadilla

Photos by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash, Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash, Lottie Griffiths on Unsplash

Rotisserie chicken has become our regular first meal of vacation when traveling. After a day of traveling, picking up a cooked version at the grocery store, along with a salad and a few sides is a way to ease in without spending too much time in the kitchen. And there's typically enough leftovers to last another meal or two.

Here are a few simple meal ideas for making it into something new without too much extra effort.

MEAL IDEAS

Chicken Salad

Shred your leftover chicken over a bed of mixed greens and top with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Add a handful of seeds, a drizzle of dressing, and you have a fresh and filling salad in minutes. Or try Ellen's favorite salad recipe.

Chicken Quesadilla

Chop the chicken and layer it into a tortilla with cheese and whatever vegetables you have on hand. Cook in a skillet until golden and crispy, slice, and serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. Or try our Guacasalsa recipe.

Easy Pasta

Toss with olive oil, garlic, and whatever pasta you prefer or stir into a red sauce or pesto. Sprinkle with parmesan for finish it off.

Protein Snack

Roughly chop chicken and pair it with sliced apple, a few pieces of cheese, and a handful of almonds. It is an easy no-cook snack that travels well and keeps you going on a day trip or hike.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

If you have any leftover BBQ sauce, spread the sauce on a flatbread or pizza crust, and sprinkle on shredded chicken and chopped red onion. Top with mozzarella, or some other cheese you might have on hand, especially gouda and cheddar. Bake until bubbly and golden.